TAKE IT TO THE LORD IN PRAYER

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Several of my friends and I were recently having a great time singing some old hymns before a meeting when we came to the hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," written in 1855 by Joseph Scriven. As the song echoed in my head the rest of the day, I just strongly sensed the Father's burden to help us in our struggles, and yet so often we "have not because we ask not” (James 4:3). 

I'm writing this article simply to encourage you that if you are struggling with anything that you feel unable (or thus far unwilling) to really lay at Jesus' feet, please simply bow your head in prayer wherever you may be and give that concern over to Him. On the other side is peace that surpasses all understanding (see Philippians 4:6). 

I leave you with the lyrics from the rest of the hymn:

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.